Building Bridges - One Relationship At a Time

Mom. Volunteer. Advocate. FIGHTER.

IOWA STRONGA born-and-raised farm kid, hard work comes naturally to me. Whether it's raising three kids, helping my husband build his small business, serving as a community volunteer or advocating for Iowa children and families, I give 110% from the heart every day.

When my family lost everything in the Farm Crisis of the 1980s, I watched my parents stand strong in the face of immense challenges. I see their courage to dream in the people of Iowa today. I draw from their determination and hope as I look toward our state's future.

COMMITTED TO EDUCATION Life dealt my family a tough hand but education was the path out of poverty for me. Through strong public education, I was able to achieve my dream of being the first person in my family to attend and graduate from college. Today, we operate a successful small business in the heart of Iowa. I will never stop fighting to make sure all Iowa children have access to a world-class education.

SAFE COMMUNITIESSafe communities are healthy communities. Keeping guns out of the hands of people with violent criminal convictions and serious mental illness are key to protecting children, families and the rights of law-abiding citizens. I will make strengthening the background check and permitting system top priorities.

My family and I enjoy sport and skeet shooting and love to cheer for our son, Justin, who is a member of the Ankeny Hawks Trap Shooting Club.

EQUAL ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY HEALTH CAREOne of the biggest challenges facing small business owners and farmers in Iowa is the cost of private health insurance and the limited coverage for basics like mammograms, well-child exams, immunizations, and obstetrics. We do not need to wait for the federal government to solve this problem. Our state can come together to provide reasonably-priced health insurance that will ensure the health and financial future of entrepreneurs and their families.

The last place Iowa women want their legislators is in their gynecologist's office. I will fight to protect a woman's right to decide for herself what is best and work hard to make sure every Iowa woman has access to all the tools and resources she needs to plan her family and financial future.